Apparently low-rise jeans are making a comeback, which is the least surprising news ever if you really think about it. Every couple of years, the jean style you swore you’d never wear again sneaks back into your closet, kind of like when you hang out with your ex but you’re definitely not together again. We all promised to ditch low-rise jeans and their horrible short zippers when we discovered the slimming capabilities of super high rise denim, but obviously that trend wasn’t going to last forever. I’m not saying you should get rid of your high-waisted jeans, and I’m definitely not saying you should pull out your old boot cut True Religions with bedazzled butt pockets. I’m just trying to prepare you for a painless transition from one denim trend to the next. Here are a few pairs of low-rise jeans that won’t make you look like a Laguna Beach walk-on that never got a more detailed on-screen name credit than “Brody’s friend.”
1. The Legging Step Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans, AG Jeans
These AG jeans are basically as close to a denim legging as you can get without wearing literal Pajama Jeans. These may be low-rise, but they also have a step hem and a distressed wash, so they’re way more 2017 than 2007.
2. MOTO Winter Bleach Lucas Jeans, Topshop
These are kind of like mom jeans, but they’re low-rise, which helps prevent serious mom butt. They also have a slouchy fit but don’t have holes, so you can pull off a relaxed look without every old dude you see in a day asking how much you paid for jeans with holes in them.
3. Boyfriend Low Ripped Jeans, H&M
On the off chance that you do want every old dude you see in a day to ask how much you paid for jeans with holes in them, this is a pretty good pair. Plus, they’re just from H&M, so if you accidentally rip through the knee hole with your foot, it’s not the total end of the world.
4. Harper Low-Rise Super Skinny Jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch
Before you stop reading and close this article out because I just suggested you buy jeans from Abercrombie, hear me out. Do you still drink the cheap vodka you blacked out off of in college? Yes, of course you do. You just don’t take photos of the bottle anymore. This is kind of the same scenario. A&F finally stopped putting their signature pocket stitching on most of their jeans, so you can still wear their super comfortable, actually affordable denim without rocking an infamous Abercrombie butt.
5. Low-Rise Skinny Fit Jean, Tommy Hilfiger
As long as you don’t wear these with like, a pink polo with a popped collar and oversized fake pearls, you should be fine. Gigi Hadid is desperately trying to make Tommy Hilfiger a thing again, so you might as well join in on that movement.
I know I’m not a typical fashion writer here at Betches—I tend to save my talents for Bravo recaps and the occasional hate piece—but I’m willing to branch out for something I’m extremely passionate about: wearing leggings as pants. It is an important cause I support wholeheartedly. Really, I think that the woman who lobbied for women to wear pants fucked us all up, because pants are only a viable and comfortable option if you have all of the following: perfectly proportionate legs (i.e. not too long or too short), no muffin top to speak of, and nothing weird going on in the butt area—a set of criteria that basically only applies to models and nobody else. And that is why, despite the protests of my friends, my dad, and probably everyone who’s seen me walking down the street minus a few mouthy construction workers, I continue to wear leggings as pants. No matter the season. No matter if my shirt covers my butt. But here’s the thing: You can’t do it with just any old pair of leggings. They’ve got to be opaque enough that you can get away with it, yet still comfortable. So I’ve gathered my the 5 best leggings to wear as pants (from my closet). You are welcome in advance. Also full disclosure, you will not see super expensive leggings on here because I’m cheap and can’t justify spending more than like, $45 on some spandex.
1. Hue Original Denim Leggings
These things are the shit. I literally have three pairs and am soon going to acquire a fourth. They are a jegging and priced as such, but they behave like a jean except there’s no fly digging into your stomach or weird, small front pocket that nobody uses. They do have back pockets (I repeat: pockets!) and they look so much like jeans you’ll confuse everyone. Just ask the fuckboy I’m hooking up with who told me “I love when you wear these jeans.” Guys are idiots, am I right? And before you ask, no, I’m not hooking up with Ginuwine. Yet.
2. C9 Champion Premium Legging
Okay, these aren’t the exact leggings I have, but if you go to Target, hit up the workout section and go to the rack of Champion leggings—any of those will do. They’re not super thick but they are opaque and they fit super well. No muffin top to speak of and I know you all don’t know me or my body type, but trust me when I say that’s saying a lot. There’s no uncomfortable horizontal line across your stomach when you take them off. And they’re like $20, so they’re probably the cheapest thing you’ll buy in Target. They come in a bunch of patterns so you can buy all 67 pairs—speaking hypothetically, of course. That’s definitely not something I’ve done before.
3. SPANX Leggings
I’m not going to lie to you all, this one’s a risky choice, but I just did a few leg presses yesterday so I stand by it. I have the “seamless” kind so I can only speak to those, and I have them in the camo print—I just didn’t use that picture because I didn’t want you guys to judge me. They’re probs not leggings you want to work out in (but they have an “active” kind you can take to the gym) because they feel a little like tights because they have a horizontal seam along the crotch instead of the vertical seam you see on most leggings, nahmean? I’ll be real, it’s a little bit of a stretch wearing these with a crop top (as I am right now), and I’ll update you on how many moms yell at me for exposing their kids to lewd content in public later. But again, they are super comfortable and as someone who’s prone to a muffin top, I personally appreciate how high-waisted they are. Would def try their other leggings and report back.
4. Splits59 Dryver Capri
Yeah I know these aren’t cheap per se, but I chose a style that was on sale so you’re fucking welcome. Really any Splits59 leggings will be extremely comfy—I’m extrapolating based on how many pairs I tried on at a Bandier sample sale yesterday—but I know we’re not all Kendall Jenner and spending upwards of $100 on a pair of leggings is a little ridiculous when you have like, rent to pay and shit. I’m personally a fan of the mesh leggings because anything that appears slutty but is also technically covered by fabric so nobody can say shit—even if it is see-through fabric—really highlights my personal aesthetic, which is slutty. Sorry, dad. Anyway, these things are comfortable, not restrictive, blah blah blah. I think we can all agree the qualities that make for good leggings are universal.
5. Lilybod Coco – Shadow Lux
These are really the ideal leggings if you want to give off the “Did I just come from yoga or do I go grocery shopping like this?” vibe. They’re sporty-looking and they’re the shiny-looking leggings, if you are into that and know WTF I’m talking about. They’re pretty thick and opaque and easy to move around in. They are a little tight around the waist if you don’t get the right size, though, so my best advice is: Don’t let the size chart flatter you (it told me I was a small—mistake) and order the size you normally wear and you’ll be Gucci.
We’re not sure why, but brands always seem to come out with their coolest leggings toward the end of winter. It’s like, we just spent the past four months cuddled up with in bed watching This is Us while eating enough sushi for a large family. Is this really the time to come out with the hottest, most form-fitting leggings you can think of? Sweatpants are all that fits me right now.
Either way, we rounded up our favorite leggings out right now, so you can avoid putting on skinny jeans and stock up on the pants that Kendall Jenner made acceptable to wear in public. Here are the ones you need:
Lululemon Body Con Tight
All betches know that Lululemon was our OG $100 pair of leggings, so we can’t make a leggings roundup without the pant that started it all. Lululemon leggings are basically as timeless as an engagement ring, and their new styles somehow keep getting better. We’ll always love their classic Wunder Under leggings, but these Body Con Tights are so cute and just edgy enough with the mesh cutouts on the sides. We’re obsessed.
Alo Yoga High-Waist Verse Legging
White leggings are pretty much reserved for betches who are so skinny that they’re not even expecting to get their periods in the next six to eight months. These ones are high waisted and have a sick print at the bottom, so they’re pretty much the best things ever. Plus, they’re actually made of breathable material that keeps you cool and dry during a workout, so you can actually put these things to use when you feel like moving. In other words, no crotch sweat marks. Hallelujah.
Onzie High Rise Bondage Legging
Basic girls tend to stay away from grey leggings, but not many people know how amazing they make your ass look. The cutouts on these leggings are amazing, and we’re obsessed with the color. The pastel grey is subtle enough to match with more than one colored top, but is light enough to accentuate your ass, even when you’ve neglected your squats since last summer.
Teeki Jimi Hotpant
These leggings look like they’re too dope to actually sweat in, but they’re surprisingly made with a ton of support to move with you while you work out. Don’t let the trendy cutouts fool you. These leggings are elastic-free so they’re super comfortable on your waist, and they’re made with four way stretch to expand with your muscles while you move. Plus, they’re slutty looking enough for you to wear on a night out when you’re feeling fat or lazy or both.
James Jeans Twiggy Ultra Flex White Legging Jeans
These jeggings look like your best white jeans, and they’re super comfortable too. I mean, any pants that say the words “ultra flex” in their name have to be pretty sick. Every LA betch is freaking out over James Jeans right now, and we get the hype. It’s prob too soon to wear white right now, but drop a few pounds by July Fourth and you’ll kill it in these.
Terez Black Moto Performance Leggings
Terez is the brand that SoulCycle instructors and their overexcited 6am riders wear while jamming out to Sia in a dark room while channeling all their good vibes. That sounds like the last type of person you’d aspire to look like, but hear us out. The pants are usually too colorful for us, but we happen to love these ones. They’re awesome for working out and if you pair them with a black sports bra and black Nikes, you’ll look like the super intimidating betch at the gym who takes her workout extremely seriously. AKA no fuckboys trying to pick you up at the gym. AKA success.
Sweaty Betty Power Leggings
These leggings are called “power leggings” for a reason, and they’re ready to be put to work. Not only is the colorblock pattern so hot right now, but they’re also insanely versatile. The sweat-wicking fabric is stretchy and supportive, and the high waist is super flattering. They’ve also got a little zip pocket in the back, so you can work out and go meet your dealer right after without changing pants.
Karen Millen Faux-Leather Leggings
Faux-leather can be a risky move if they look too over-the-top and trashy, but these leggings are chic AF. These pants are perfect for when you’re not feeling jeans but still need to get dressed up. Plus, the concept of a pair of leggings that you can also wear on a night out is basically the best invention since sliced bread—whatever that is.
ASOS Rivington High Waisted Denim Jegging in Georgia Vintage Lightwash with Rips and Printed Knee
We’ve always been fans of the Rivington jegging from Asos, and this new seasonal edition of the jegging is so on trend for spring. The combo of the ripped knees and light wash color is perfect when you’re sick of black jeggings and aren’t ready to pull out the white jeans yet. Your mom will give you shit for buying pants that are already ripped, but it’s worth it. These are 45% cotton, so you can be somewhat comfy in jeans that look like they’re tighter than saran wrap.
